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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH11.021

H11.021

Billable

Central pterygium of right eye

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 H11.021 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of central pterygium of right eye.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Central pterygium of the right eye is a benign growth characterized by a triangular-shaped fibrovascular tissue that extends from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. This condition typically arises due to chronic irritation, often from environmental factors such as UV exposure, wind, and dust. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms like redness, irritation, and visual disturbances if the pterygium encroaches on the visual axis. The anatomy involved includes the conjunctiva, cornea, and potentially the sclera, as the pterygium can affect the underlying structures. Disease progression may lead to increased growth, which can cause astigmatism or other refractive errors. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough ocular examination, where the pterygium's size, location, and impact on vision are assessed. Slit-lamp examination is crucial for evaluating the extent of the growth and any associated corneal changes. Management may involve observation for asymptomatic cases, while surgical intervention may be necessary for symptomatic patients or those with significant visual impairment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires careful assessment of ocular structures and symptoms.
  • Treatment complexity: Surgical options may vary based on the extent of the pterygium.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are essential for justifying treatment.
  • Coding specificity: Accurate coding requires precise identification of the affected eye and condition.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the eye affected or incorrect coding of the condition's severity.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding symptoms and treatment rationale.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the necessity for surgery is not well-documented.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Optometry

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Central pterygium can significantly affect a patient's quality of life, leading to visual impairment and discomfort. Its prevalence is higher in populations exposed to high UV radiation, making it a public health concern in certain geographic areas. Understanding the epidemiology of pterygium can inform preventive strategies and healthcare resource allocation. Quality measures may include tracking surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction post-treatment, which can help improve care delivery in ophthalmology.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Central pterygium can significantly affect a patient's quality of life, leading to visual impairment and discomfort. Its prevalence is higher in populations exposed to high UV radiation, making it a public health concern in certain geographic areas. Understanding the epidemiology of pterygium can inform preventive strategies and healthcare resource allocation. Quality measures may include tracking surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction post-treatment, which can help improve care delivery in ophthalmology.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the necessity of surgical intervention, which must be supported by the documentation of visual impairment or discomfort. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for surgery. Coders should ensure that all related CPT codes are accurately linked to the diagnosis to avoid billing issues. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes and ensuring that all services provided are clearly justified in the patient's medical record.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for H00-H99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for H00-H99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by H11.021?

H11.021 specifically covers central pterygium of the right eye. It is important to differentiate it from other types of pterygium, such as nasal or temporal, and from other conjunctival lesions.

When should H11.021 be used instead of related codes?

H11.021 should be used when the pterygium is specifically located in the central area of the right eye. If the pterygium is located in a different area or affects the left eye, the appropriate code should be selected.

What documentation supports H11.021?

Documentation should include a detailed ocular examination report, noting the size and location of the pterygium, any symptoms experienced by the patient, and the rationale for treatment decisions, especially if surgical intervention is planned.